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Old 09-18-2018, 08:20 PM   #1
Jim M
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Default Battery??

Need to get a new battery in the AM for my Roadster. Just did a search and came up with nothing. What is the best performing battery now a days. My first impulse was an Interstate but would like to hear what everyone is using. Thanks, Jim
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Old 09-18-2018, 08:42 PM   #2
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Default Re: Battery??

6 volt or 12 volt?

The Optima batteries are pretty resistant to damage from vibration, because of the way they are made.
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Old 09-18-2018, 09:34 PM   #3
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Default Re: Battery??

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Originally Posted by Jim/TX/GA View Post
6 volt or 12 volt?

The Optima batteries are pretty resistant to damage from vibration, because of the way they are made.

I agree.


Optima batteries are a little more expensive BUT they have a lot more cranking power, they do not lose their charge if the car is sitting for long periods of time and they last a lot longer than Lead-acid batteries.


I have Optima batteries in all 6 of my collector cars.


If using a 6 volt, most of the suppliers have a hold down that will fit the 6 volt Optima battery.


My experience and just my opinion.


Chris W.

Last edited by CWPASADENA; 09-18-2018 at 09:35 PM. Reason: TYPO
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Old 09-18-2018, 10:01 PM   #4
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Default Re: Battery??

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Originally Posted by CWPASADENA View Post
I agree.


Optima batteries are a little more expensive BUT they have a lot more cranking power, they do not lose their charge if the car is sitting for long periods of time and they last a lot longer than Lead-acid batteries.

Agree...except Optima batteries are also lead acid batteries.

The downsides are only a one year warranty and they cost quite a bit more than conventional batteries.

Here's some reviews and comparisons of Optima and other AGM batteries...

http://www.optimabatteryreview.com/
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Old 09-19-2018, 05:53 AM   #5
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Default Re: Battery??

A vote for tractor supply or Batteries Plus.
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:23 AM   #6
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Default Re: Battery??

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Go to a farm store and buy a tractor battery. They are built to take rough conditions and for a good price. If treated properly, a good battery should last 10 years. Key words: treated properly.
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:48 AM   #7
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Default Re: Battery??

I use interstate batteries. The one in my tudor is over 10 years old.
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Old 09-19-2018, 06:50 AM   #8
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Default Re: Battery??

The best 6 volt battery I ever had was the Optima, they are not that expensive if you do a search online. I think I only paid $100. I would never buy another 6 volt unless it was an Optima.
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Old 09-19-2018, 07:20 AM   #9
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Default Re: Battery??

Always check the date of mfr on the battery to be sure you get the freshest one.
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Old 09-19-2018, 08:34 AM   #10
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Default Re: Battery??

Batteries have become a crapshoot, does not matter what brand you choose, one could last for over 5 years and another go in less than 3. Make sure to look at the manufacture date stamped on the battery so you don't buy something that's been sitting on the shelf forever. Follow the maintenance procedure. The rest is out of your hands.....
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Old 09-19-2018, 09:22 AM   #11
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A vote for tractor supply or Batteries Plus.
Tractor Supply! Good price, there Excide, and they have lasted me many years.
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Old 09-19-2018, 09:27 AM   #12
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Default Re: Battery??

Got an Exide 6 volt at rural King for $44.00 2 yrs ago, still good to go.
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Old 09-19-2018, 09:32 AM   #13
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Default Re: Battery??

I like optima batteries also. Got mine on sale at Pep Boys.
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Old 09-19-2018, 11:14 AM   #14
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Default Re: Battery??

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Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp View Post
Agree...except Optima batteries are also lead acid batteries.

You are correct.


I should have qualified my statement and say "conventional wet cell lead-acid batteries".


Chris W.
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Old 09-19-2018, 11:52 AM   #15
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Default Re: Battery??

Yep, I'm with Holdover, Rural King 6v tractor battery for me. Works great, holds charge all winter also.
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Old 09-19-2018, 12:29 PM   #16
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Default Re: Battery??

We use 6 and 12 volt Optimas with maintainers compatible with AGM batteries.
Also cut off switches are installed in the floor areas for easy access and to help reduce slow draining.
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Old 09-19-2018, 07:42 PM   #17
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Default Re: Battery??

For as long as I could remember, I had always used Sears Die Hard batteries. That is, until a couple of years ago, even their premium (8 year) battery crapped out after only one year. They replaced it, and the replacement only lasted a year.

Since then, I have gone to Batteries Plus (Duracell branded). So far so good -- on my 2 modern cars as well as my Model A.
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Old 09-20-2018, 06:49 AM   #18
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Thumbs up Re: Battery??

Jim M,


I get my batteries (Model-A & newer) from Discount Auto Parts here in Florida. I've got one of their batteries getting close to 11 years old in my '88 Chevy S-10! Granted I don't drive the truck every day, I use it as my

"farm truck". But I've never had a battery last that long. And I have only had to charge up the battery maybe twice from not enough use in all these years.


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Old 09-20-2018, 08:02 AM   #19
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Default Re: Battery??

I have been using the battery from NAPA the last couple years:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP7244
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Old 09-20-2018, 10:46 PM   #20
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Default Re: Battery??

Tractor supply 6v with maintainers work good optima 3 times the price
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